marshmallows

I know. Too0 much time on my hands. :-)
I've read about people who make homemade marshmallows and how wonderful they are. People flavor them, cut them with cookie cutters and even use a pastry bag to shape them into things like skeletons for Halloween. I had to try them and feeling a need to be creative, that's what I did last night.
I used Alton Brown's recipe from The Food Network (just google it). Powered sugar, water cornstarch, corn syrup, gelatin and vanilla. You also need a good, heavy duty mixer. I boiled, beat and poured it into the pan, letting it set overnight. This morning before church I inverted it onto the table and began cutting with a pizza cutter. Look at all the air pockets! I didn't get it patted down in the pan very well. Oh well, no one likes flat smooshed marshmallows.

While I was waiting for dinner to cook, I finished cutting. This is a gallon size baggie. The recipe made almost 2 pounds. I admit to enjoying one bite. SOOOOO good!!!

Next time I want to try cherry flavored to give away with hot chocolate for Christmas! I've read on-line they make delicious s'mores.

Subbing

This is a picture of The Guardians. They stand outside Zia Elementary school, overseeing - protecting the children. This is a school I worked at about 9 years ago. When I left the school system and began subbing, my most frequent (and loved) calls were from Zia library. A voracious reader and book lover, it was perfect for me.

A result of budget shortfalls and cutbacks, the present librarian will move to Ranchvale Elementary School to teach kindg on Wed. She was/is WONDERFUL!! A certified teacher with her master's in Library Science, she has been a treasure. The position will now become an E.A. (educational assistant) position to save $$$. Until a new librarian is hired, I've been asked to fill in for the next few weeks.

When the priccipal called me about subbing, I was telling her to be careful and hire someone who loves the children and books. She laughed, telling me she would. Then I found myself apologizing for telling her, the principal, how to do her job.


This is all bittersweet for me. While I don't want to work full-time, I will enjoy being in this position for short term. Last spring when the librarian was in a car accident, I filled in for a couple months. It was hard work but I loved every moment of it. On the other-hand, I feel bad about taking my friend's job. Even if it is short-term.


I begin on Wednesday and no, I do not want it full time. Technically, I don't have enough credits.
Besides, Bill and I are going to the Carribean in Feb. We're trying to focus more on us and our marriage as our children have gotten older.

I'll keep you posted.... pmb